Damson Idris is focused on a very important goal. Yeah, it’s got something to do with making movies, which makes sense for the 32-year-old actor. But it’s deeper than that.
“My mum, she was like, ‘I love Brad Pitt. You better not make him look bad,’” Idris tells me over the phone when I ask him about what kind of work he’s got coming up. “I can't let my mom down. So right now I'm solely focused on doing the best job for this film and making everyone proud.”
The picture in question is currently known as Untitled Formula One Movie or some variant thereof, depending on who you ask. It’s produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, directed by Joseph Kosinski, and features Brad Pitt as an older driver who comes out of retirement to mentor a younger one. Idris stars in the ensemble cast alongside names like Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, and actual Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton. Idris is no newbie—six seasons of the Snowfall are a testament to that—but this is a major project with some major names. You can understand why mom might be a little nervous.
But when speaking to Idris, he’s nothing but cool and calm, just a working actor who wants to work his hardest on an important project. Plus, he’s got other things to worry about when we catch up. It’s the day of Tommy Hilfiger’s big return to New York Fashion Week, and Idris is getting ready to attend the show at the Grand Central Oyster Bar.
Not coincidentally, Hilfiger’s very involved in the as-yet-unnamed F1 movie. His name can even be found on the jumpsuits of the drivers. After getting to know the legendary American designer—and considering he’s been a fan since back when he was a kid in south east London—Idris says “it was just a no-brainer to create a partnership” and become a brand ambassador.
Keep reading to learn about Idris and Hilfiger’s trip to the Vegas Grand Prix, the roots of his personal style, one ill-fated year spent trying to be “the Black Leonardo DiCaprio,” and more.
On his best trip to Vegas
The first time I went to Vegas was not too long ago, probably about three, four years ago. But the best time I had in Vegas was just this past October, and it was actually with Tommy for the Formula One racing. We were going to shoot out there. Due to the strike we weren't able to, but I was able to bring all my friends out there and we had an amazing experience with Tommy. I was able to take a lap tour around the actual track with Toto [Wolff] from Mercedes in an AMG GT Turbo. He drove and it was so much fun. Now that I've been driving, I just understand the art form a lot better and what it takes.
On a bad year for getting dressed
I love clothes. I think clothes have such a huge impact on how I feel about my day. I remember for a year straight, I tried to be the guy who only wears a black T-shirt and some blue jeans. Essentially, I tried to be the Black Leonardo DiCaprio. It didn't work out for me because I actually enjoy wearing something new every day or that favourite jacket that I have. It's attached to memories, the things we wear, and that's why fashion is so influential in my day-to-day life.
On teaming up with Tommy
I was a huge fan of Tommy Hilfiger from when I was growing up in Southeast London. If someone was wearing Tommy Hilfiger, he was a cool guy. And then, before the film, I had the opportunity to fly out to Miami and meet Tommy. We had dinner at Carbone and he basically expressed how much of a fan he was of me, and just how proud he was of me, and just his kind of vision for the future, and if I wanted to be a part of that. Then when we got this film, of course Tommy is hugely involved, so it was just a no-brainer to create a partnership.
On the roots of his personal style
It's funny because my mother used to force me to wear these little three-piece suits when I was five years old. So I came out dressing that James Bond, and then I kind of went more into the direction of a Li'l Bow Wow, Li'l Romeo type. Whoever the girls like, I'm going to wear what he's wearing. So that was me when I was younger. As I hit my teenage stages, I was wearing a lot more street wear. And then as soon as I hit 19 or 20, I went back to my roots and I started putting on those tuxedos. I started looking a lot more kind of smart casual, and that's why Tommy Hilfiger is just such a perfect alignment because it just reiterates that.
On discovering a deeper appreciation for Formula One
I just learned just how much attention goes into it, how much attention goes into making the cars, how much of a team game is. We see the drivers, but there are thousands of mechanics and construction people who are working for each team. And I think it's really exciting for the world to get to see that more because these guys are risking their lives, of course, but they are thrilling us and they are showing a sport that is evolving still, and one that is opening its arms for everyone to get a piece of it. I just love it because looking at, for example, what Lewis Hamilton has done for the sport and just bringing more attention to it…we're just starting. It's just the beginning. So many more people are going to get involved in Formula One, and I'm excited to see that.
